March 2, 2006

SAN DIEGO - San Diego State men's soccer coach Lev Kirshner today announced the signing of six players to National Letters of Intent for the 2006 season. Among that group are an U-18 national team player, an all-state honoree and four regional and/or state Olympic Development Program (ODP) players.

"Although we did not lose much from last season (only 4 seniors), we significantly increased the talent level of our squad with our 2006 recruits," commented Kirshner. "We were successful in filling the necessary gaps and found a number of individuals with the ability to play for us right away. We believe this group is every bit as talented as last season's top 40 class."

Leading the signees is midfielder Evan Toft (5-9, 155) from Centennial High School in Aurora, Colo., where he was a three-year all-state player as well as a 5A all-city and all-conference performer. Toft, who played club soccer with the Colorado Rush, was a member of the U.S. U-18 national team as well as a four-year Colorado and two-year Region IV ODP athlete. He was a participant in the adidas Elite Soccer Program (ESP) and was named an adidas Boys Youth All-American and adidas ODP All-American.

"Evan is one of the most gifted technicians in the country and that is backed up by his U-18 national team camp call-ups," said Kirshner. "After last season's need for goals, we can not be happier to have Evan join our attack."

Another Coloradoan joining the Aztecs is center back Nick Cardenas (6-5, 190), a two-year all-state and three-time all-conference selection at Horizon High in Thornton. Cardenas, who competed with Toft as member of the Colorado Rush club side, was the second-leading scorer in the state as a high school senior last fall with 27 goals. He was selected to the Rocky Mountain News and Denver Post all-Colorado team.

"Anytime you can find a mobile and technical center back that is 6'5" and 190 pounds you hope he can fit in sooner rather than later," commented Kirshner. "Throw in the fact he scored the second most goals in his state's high school season; it is safe to say we are happy to have Nick."

Midfielder Kyle Crain (5-9, 150) from Pleasanton, Calif, was a standout for Foothill High School and the Mustang United soccer club. He was a Region IV player and was the captain of the Cal-North ODP squad. He was also a member of the Super Y-League Pacific Region ODP team and was the in Super Y-League national team pool as well. He was named as a player to watch by StudentSportsSoccer.com.

"Kyle will come in with great experience and understanding on the ball," noted the head coach. "He is extremely technical and has worn the captain's band in many big games. Kyle will create difficult great competition in our squad and that is necessary for the direction we want to go."

Kirshner also inked one of the local area's top prep players in center back Santo Pernicano (6-1, 170), a four-year varsity player at El Capitan High School and member of the San Diego Surf soccer club. Pernicano received all-league and all-CIF honors and was El Cap's team captain his final two seasons. He played for the Cal-South ODP team for four years and was a member of the Region IV ODP squad three years.

"We are pleased to continue our run of grabbing top San Diego players," said Kirshner. "Santo's many years with national and regional team programs is evident in his ability to read a game and lead his side."

Adding to SDSU's depth between the posts is the addition of 6-3, 195 goalie Bradford "BJ" Byrnes from Alamo, Calif. After four seasons of varsity action (three as a starter) at Monte Vista High School, Byrnes was named the East Bay Athletic League Player of the Year this season. His Ballistic United club team won a pair of State Cup titles as well as championships at the Nomads and Surf Cup tourneys held in San Diego. He is a three-year Cal-North ODP selection and is also on the Super Y-League regional squad.

"It was very important that this class find an understudy to (All-American) Tally (Hall) and we could not be happier with the addition of BJ," commented Kirshner. "He is technically sound and is a hard worker. We expect him to push all our current goalkeepers for playing time."

The Aztecs also signed outside back Philip Mota (5-9, 160) from Tucson, Ariz., where he starred for Sabino High School and the Sereno soccer club. Mota was an Arizona and Region IV ODP player and was also mentioned as a player to watch by StudentSportssoccer.com.

"It is nice to get back into Arizona after a year hiatus," noted Kirshner. "Phil is a tough athlete who plays much bigger than his size. His ability to get up and down the left side is going to be a tremendous asset to our squad."

San Diego will return eight starters from last fall's squad which finished with a 9-4-6 record and a fourth-place finish in the Pac-10 while advancing to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1989.